Fitness and nutrition strategies for holiday shenanigans.  

Make a decission now.  

Are you choosing your fit game or the holiday parties as your main priority this season?  

If you chose staying in the fit game, I'll assume you know what to do. Just remember to counterbalance your gym life with some socializing, and a few of your favorite indulgences.  

If you chose the parties, read on.

#1. All-or-nothing mentality is not our friend here. "Just a little better" is a thriving mindset. 

#2. While we pick a Party Priority, Healthy still has a place to be, even if in small doses [for now].  

#3. Choose your minimum effective dose of exercise.

• As little as TWO 40-minute strength training sessions a week are perfect for maintaining strength level and gym habits.  
• A minimum of 30 minutes of walking on most days will keep your cardio habit on, and relieve that holiday stress. 
• Split your exercise session in 2 parts (20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening) if you want to fit it in between the days agendas. 
• If you are only sticking to 1-3 workout a week, whole-body session are your friend here. Pick one exercise for each muscle group, and perform them in a circuit manner for as many rounds as possible in 30-40 minutes.  

#4. Choose your minimum effective dose of nutrition. Pick ONE healthy habit you would like to build and stick to it from now until January 1st, while letting everything else be festive. For examle: "I will have my 6 serving of produce a day" or "I will include a good protein in each meal before I get to indulge."

#5. Think about the difference between Oinking out and indulging.  

#6.  Eat slowly. Eat slowly. Eat slowly. Eat slowly. 

PRE-PARTY. 

• Going for big lifts or doing your toughest workout to get into the badest-ass winning mood. 
• Including outfit-based moves. Sleeveless=shoulder and arms pump sets. Mini dress=legs and glutes drop sets. Midi skirt= Calf work.
• Green tea, probiotics, and turmeric for improving gut works to avoid bloating and belching.  
• Eating till 80% full for that lighter ballerina feel.  

PARTY.  

• Fiber and protein snacks first. Remember, alcohol gets metabolized by your body first. So if there's shrimp,  chicken, and crudités waiting for their turn instead of pizza and cake, you are still going to wake up with a flat stomach. 
• Digestive Enzymes as a secret weapon during all party eating and snacking. 
• Stick to clear spirits rather than sugary mixed drinks, wine and beer for no or milder hangover and less alcohol weight gain. 
• Again, pay attention to the food you eat and really indulge rather than eat all that's in sight.  

AFTER-PARTY.  

• Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. 
• Add electrolytes into your water for improved absorption and, well, hydration.  
• Multivatamins, extra C,  taurine, magnesium, greens powder to replenish nutrients lost when consuming alcohol. 
• No crazy training needed, but a brisk walk or mild intensity gym session might help you recover. 

Happy holidays!